Whether you're still looking for last-minute presents or someone's cheque is burning a hole in your pocket, you're bound to find something to light your candle in the Christmas season's spate of compilations.

They come from software houses large and small, specialised and general; they range from £4.99 to £14.95; they come in all shapes and sizes, from boxes a foot long to laminated video-size boxes down to the (now) ordinary double-cassette boxes (for which we still have no racks!). You may not have anywhere to put all these different sizes, but they sure look pretty on the retailer's shelf.

But some small independent retailers have great problems with the big, bold packaging of compilations, and when space is tight they usually end up at the bottom of the pile.

And some compilations aren't even available in independent shops this Christmas - not because of the packaging, but because they're distributed on limited exclusive deals with high-street multiples. For instance, Gremlin Graphics's Ten Great Games is currently only available from chains like WH Smith and Menzies. It's strange the indies are treated this way when they account for 75% of all software sales...

US Gold's recent compilation Summer Gold is now partnered by Solid Gold - probably the house's greatest compilation yet! Every game is very playable, and the collection covers a wide range from flight simulators like Infiltrator and Ace Of Aces to the CRASH Smashes Winter Games and Gauntle. Sadly Leaderboard didn't hit it off with the Spectrum like the others did, but it still fits in the package well.

SOLID GOLD
US Gold
Gauntlet - 92% Issue 37
Ace of Aces - 62% Issue 38
Leaderboard - 80% Issue 39
Winter Games - 93% Issue 26
Infiltrator - 72% Issue 35
£9.99

Label: US Gold
Author: Various
Price: £9.99
Memory: 48K/128K
Joystick: various
Reviewer: Jason Roseaman

As compilations go, this one is certainly above average. Containing five of US Gold's most highly acclaimed games, in a package that should have something to please everyone. Leaderboard gives you the ultimate in golf simulations, eat your heart out Sevvy. Winter Games, all the thrill of speeding about in the snow. Ace of Aces, superior simulation-cum-shoot-'em-up. Infiltration gives you the chance to fly a helicopter in great style. And finally Gauntlet perhaps the ultimate "Let's be pixies game".

Five superb games for only £9.99. Yes, you may have a couple of the titles, but unless you've got them all, you might as well give Solid Gold a go. It's pure magic.

C64/128, £9.99cs, £14.99dk
Spectrum, £9.99cs
Amstrad, £9.99cs, £14.99dk

Ace of Aces

Remember Dambusters? Well this is arguably what Dambusters should have been but never quite was. Ensconced in the cockpit of a Mosquito you get to fly missions against Germany, choosing whether to intercept bombers or rockets or perhaps going for a U Boat pen or train. Half flight simulator (no landing or taking off skills called for) and half arcade combat game, this should keep potential Bigglesworths pleasantly amused - you don't have to pore over a huge manual and practice endlessly to start flying competently.

Infiltrator

A veritable pot-pourri of gamestyles is on offer in this mission to save the world from yet another madman and his henchpersons. Pilot a helicopter to the base in the flight-simulation sequence, avoid, kill or stun the guards in the madman's den and search the buildings for clues and vital information. Once the secret plans have been photographed, fly back to base and start all over again. A secret agent game that auditions all the skills needed to join the secret service...

Winter Games

An octet of icy action games from Epyx, the sports simulation specialists. Ski, skate or take the challenge of a cresta run in a bobsled. All the gloss, polish and playability that have made Epyx leaders in the field - as much fun as Summer Games, World Games and California Games

Gauntlet

A hit conversion of a hit arcade game. Play solo or with a friend, choosing which of the four intrepid adventurers you wish to take into the walled dungeons. Collect food, treasure and potions, kill the nasties and attempt to conserve strength for the later levels. An excellent hack 'n' slay excursion into the world of scrolling dungeons.

Leaderboard

THE golf simulation. Until Leaderboard arrived on the scene, golf was a game that hadn't managed to fire the imagination of game players - you either had the "purist" simulations (deadly accurate, deadly boring) or the so-called "arcade" simulations (little stick men on green backgrounds). With Leaderboard, the controls were simplified, the view of the fairway given from behind the tee and the game finally made playable and fun for all.

Verdict: A good mix of gamestyles assembled from the better part of US Gold's back catalogue - a lot more user-friendly on disk, however.